IFP: NZIMANDE'S ALLEGED PAST IN INKATHA NOT CONTROVERSIAL

The IFP has followed with interest the media debate about SACP General-Secretary Blade Nzimande's alleged political roots in its own ranks.

"The IFP has not checked its membership archives to validate this claim but seeing that many high profile ANC alliance officials are former members of the IFP, we do not think it unlikely that Nzimande kicked off his political career in Inkatha," said IFP National Organiser Albert Mncwango.

On a related note, the IFP has never made secret of the fact that its own founder and leader Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi was once a member of the ANC Youth League.

"The real issue is why anybody's former membership in the IFP should be regarded as a source of controversy," said Mncwango.

Statement issued by the Inkatha Freedom Party October 14 2008